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Obey Giant partnered with Unite in Advance on Art for Freedom, a multi-piece art series interpreting three First Amendment freedoms, speech, press, and assembly, and their role in upholding our democracy.
I never imagined I’d need to defend the First Amendment, but as our nation’s 250th anniversary approaches, we all need to be reminded of several vital principles enshrined in the Constitution soon after the United States was formed. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prevents Congress from making laws respecting an establishment of religion; prohibiting the free exercise of religion; or abridging the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. Under the Trump administration every one of those First Amendment provisions has been eroded including an extreme favoritism toward Christian nationalism and bias against other religious groups. Though the religious bias unconstitutionally ignores the legislated separation of church and state, I see the most severe threats to democracy as the Trump administration’s attacks on FREEDOM of SPEECH, FREEDOM of the PRESS, and FREEDOM of ASSEMBLY. These freedoms are essential safeguards against abuses of power by those elected to govern by we the people. In every nation that has succumbed to fascism, these three freedoms have been dismantled by those pursuing fascism and authoritarianism. This series serves as a reminder of why we must defend these bedrock principles of democracy in the face of fascist attacks. -Shepard
As America recognizes its 250th anniversary, the series uses bold imagery and public participation to give people a moment to connect these freedoms to their own experience, and spark conversation and civic engagement around the freedoms that allow communities to exercise their rights. The art is now available to download at artforfreedom.org and we invite you to join us in posting from June 22 through July 20.
These three original works each honor a First Amendment freedom. Download a poster, share across your channels, and add your voice.
Created in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, this series examines the enduring significance of the freedoms of speech, press, and assembly in a democratic society, drawing on both national symbols and contemporary civic themes to highlight the people who exercise these rights every day, and at a moment when many Americans feel divided from one another and disconnected from public institutions, the series uses art as a unifying force, inviting audiences to consider how these freedoms connect us, how they shape our shared future, and why each generation has a responsibility to uphold them.
Freedom of the Press: The impactful visuals of the power of the pen and printing press recognize the importance of a free press that seeks the truth and shares the stories of American life and politics to inform our citizens, hold leaders accountable, and strengthen our democracy. Together, these symbols seek to honor the journalists who write the first draft of our nation’s history and serve as reminders of the enduring value of the written word.
Freedom of Speech: The Statue of Liberty, one of our nation’s most iconic landmarks, stands tall to raise her voice and embrace our nation’s flag. This globally recognized image, paired with a megaphone and patriotic imagery, calls on the audience to exercise their right to speak out and uphold the freedoms that sustain civic life. Democracy requires a multitude of voices and perspectives which are only truly enabled when free speech is protected.
Freedom of Assembly: To celebrate American leaders who bring our nation together, the Freedom of Assembly artwork draws inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington. This image seeks to inspire ordinary citizens to see themselves as active participants, not just spectators, who hold the power to uphold our freedoms and strengthen our democracy. Peaceful assembly is a critical demonstration of power to the people and a physical manifestation of commitment to a cause.
